Sights and Sounds

There are two ‘musts’ that have to be on your summer list this season: sun and fun. However, don’t forget to venture beyond the pool and the backyard barbecue—there are a number of festivals happening around the city that are guaranteed to keep you entertained even once the fall winds sweep in. Take a peek at what the Oklahoma festival season has to offer this year! 

Woody Guthrie Folk Festival

July 9-13   104 South 2nd Street, Okemah

The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival is a yearly festival hosted by the Woody Guthrie Coalition. The event is meant to preserve Guthrie’s musical legacy. This year’s festival will feature performances from Ellis Paul, Tim Easton, Monica Taylor and a host of other performers. For a complete schedule and list of performers, visit woodyguthrie.com. 

Bricktown Reggae Festival

August 1-2   Corner of Sheridan and Oklahoma Avenue, OKC

What’s summer without a little music? The Bricktown Reggae Festival has become a premiere attraction of Oklahoma’s summer festival line up. Two days full of multiple acts and nonstop music, all in the heart of Bricktown. What more do you need? One Love Uprising, Ugly Lion and I-Drenz are just some of the acts that will serenade audiences at this year’s fest. For more information head to bricktownokc.com. 

Storytelling Festival

August 21-23   Oklahoma History Center, OKC

The OKC Storytelling Festival has become an innovative staple of the Oklahoma festival scene. As one of the longest running events in OKC, for the last 30 years, it’s been produced by the Oklahoma Arts Council and has welcomed an array of award-winning writers to take part in the art of storytelling.

“Throughout the festival we entertain audience with three electric evening performances, development workshops and outreach performances to the community,” says Storytelling Festival Director Christina Foss. “It celebrates the art of storytelling.” Foss says that everyone is connected to the art of storytelling and this event helps people, old and young, get lost in the wonder of a great story. “It’s just a really fun time for audiences of all ages. Storytelling is an old art form that we all use, and probably don’t realize it.”

This year’s event will feature four internationally known storytellers: Donald Davis, Syd Lieberman, Bill Lepp, and Lynette Ford. Get lost in a good story this summer! Find out more at artscouncilokc.com.

Midsummer Night’s Fair

August 22-23   Lions Park, Corner of Flood & Symmes, Norman

The night time is the right time! Midsummer Night’s Fair is the largest art festival in Norman. The fair features local and regional artists, art activities for children, a large tent area featuring live demonstrations and live music, offering an opportunity to keep the kiddos and parents entertained.

“Midsummer Night’s Fair is one of the biggest community events of the year,” Douglass Shaw Elder of Norman Firehouse Center says. “It’s a community gathering place for the visuals arts. The firehouse highlights everything that we do in the house and the public schools.” Elder is most excited about the artwork from the event. He says that it will leave a lasting impression on the Norman community. “The work we do stays in the park to keep it beautiful and artistic all year long.”

Blanchard Bluegrass Festival

August 29-30   Lions Park, SW 7th St, Blanchard

The City of Blanchard wants in on the party! All Bluegrass lovers should haul up their fiddle and favorite lawn chair for the Blanchard Bluegrass Festival. The festival features Gospel and Bluegrass acts and various workshops. Food vendors will also be on hand to keep all the stomachs happy!

For a more detailed look at local summer and fall festivals, visit travelok.com.